Post/Author/DateTime	Post
the_real_narsingh 12-18-07, 10:56 AM	I was wondering since one of my players (a 4th level ranger) has chosen an animal companion. now... What is the purpose of an animal companion. I can understand the use of a horse (mount) or a wolf (hunting animal) but what about an eagle or an owl who can only provide for himself... I personally think they're quite useless (unless used as a mount or hunting animal or whatever)
qwerty1 12-18-07, 11:12 AM	A spy or give the animal tricks that can grab items off of high ledges. Be a distraction for the PCs. I could think of more but these are a few i use. Also look into Races of the Wild that has new Handle Animal (tricks).
SarahLynne 12-18-07, 11:25 AM	Hmm, people have used birds of prey for centuries for hunting. They can also be trained to deliver messages (a small tube attached to the leg). Combined with Speak With Animals, you could possibly get some scouting intel. Owls are nocturnal animals with keen eyesight. If you are short on people to take night watch while camping in the wilderness, you could train your owl to sound an alarm for intruders. A ranger's animal companion is always going to severely lag in power, so I tend to use them as roleplaying flavor, with occasional utility.
HARLEYDUDE 12-18-07, 12:37 PM	I know you are talking about a 4th level ranger, however once he gets to higher levels the animal goes up levels too. I am now playing a "beast heart adapt" (PrC from dungenscape). I have a owlbear as my companion. we flank together. he is our meatshield. granted the animals on the ranger list aren't going to be in this calaber but later on they can be more useful. Like SarahLynne and qwerty1 mentioned they can be very utilitarian. also dont eagles or owls have the ability to fly-by attack. they can be a distraction for the enemys. just some thoughts- HD
Kouk 12-18-07, 01:35 PM	Standard Animals are very weak combat-wise. As he gains levels though, a Dire Wolf or Brown Bear can be pretty handy even in combat (just don't get too attached - you will probably have to get a new one every couple of days). At minimum, Animal Companions are decent scouts and Flanking buddies. Don't disregard the Scent ability and finding Invisible enemies either...
Captn Blake 12-18-07, 01:58 PM	Oh man, Dragon Magazine #.. ummm... 351? 357? Actually I think it's 357. I think... has a *KILLER* article on new tricks to teach your animals. Things like "attack" and "defend" which are in the PHB are great for dogs and wolves and things, but the mag has ones like "deliver message" etc which would be awesome for a bird. Also one kindof like "bomb" or something where you can train the bird to drop alchemest fire or something on your enemy. Super cool. They have probably 10 new ones. -CB